Boehner visits Chicagoland fundraiser to challenge congressional map

August 12, 2011

US Speaker of the House John Boehner is visiting the Chicago area to help raise money for a Republican legal challenge to the new Democrat-drawn congressional districts. The fundraiser will take place at a home in Hinsdale, organized by a group called the Committee for a Fair and Balanced Map.

Pat Brady, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, says Boehner's presence is sure to draw a large audience--and a lot of money--for the cause.

"Speaker Boehner is really good at these events, and I think that a lot of people are really irritated with the way that Mike Madigan and John Cullerton shoved this map down the throats of the people--basically trying to undo the election where we picked up five congressional seats," Brady said.

Republican members of the U.S. House banded together this summer to sue the Illinois State Board of Elections. Though not involved directly with the lawsuit, Brady said the new legislative districts were unfairly drawn, especially for Hispanic voters.

Democratic Governor Pat Quinn has said the map represents the state well and protects the voting rights of minorities.